This one’s a steal! Don’t miss it

I think this has to be one of my favorite stones! So add a little good old “bling” when you go out, and have  a great month ahead. Help yourself to Peora’s sparkle collection:

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17, his religious feast day and the anniversary of his death in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over a thousand years. But the first St. Patrick’s Day was celebrated in the United States. Irish soldiers gathered on that day, celebrated, danced, and feasted-a patriotic act to get in touch with their Irish roots. And thus the tradition began.

The theme green originates from an old Irish movement. Originally, newspapers portrayed the Irish who paraded on this day as drunk, violent monkeys in cartoons.

However, the Irish soon began to realize that their great numbers endowed them with a political power that had yet to be exploited. They started to organize, and their voting block, known as the “green machine,” became an important swing vote for political hopefuls. Suddenly, annual St. Patrick’s Day parades became a show of strength for Irish Americans.

Before the 1970s, St. Patrick’s Day was a religious holiday, so they’d close all the pubs for a day. But now, this day has become a national campaign to drive tourism and let the world know more about Ireland.

Heard of the Chicago River being green? Well ever since 1962, for St. Patrick’s Day, the river is turned green with vegetable dye.  Talk about unique ways to celebrate!

So how can you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Wear green or symbols like clovers. It might be a scarf, or a shirt, or even jewelry. Hope you all have fun!

The old’s getting new. Close to throwing out old, rustic, oxidized jewelry? Don’t yet! You can mix and match and create an entirely new collection It’s pretty easy, but there are some things to keep in mind.

As always, don’t over do it. Vintage jewelry is all about those large, unique, special pieces and too much of that causes you to lose that ‘look’

If you’re building up a Vintage Jewelry collection, here’s what you can acquire:

1. Brooches
2. Pearl Layered Bracelets
3. Gold Jewelry
4. Lockets
5. Longer necklaces with feathers and other unique attachments
6. Pearl necklaces, tied up in a knot.

Typical stones that give you that vintage look are: pearls, rhinestone, quartz, Marcesite.

Vintage Jewelry goes with almost all sorts of outfits: Casual Evening wear to Formal Party wear. Gold necklaces go great with striped tank tops, and brooches can be worn on tops and dresses or caps.

Below are some affordable pieces you can buy to start off your vintage collection:

Step 1: Set up a budget

-> If you have a budget, then stick to it. Setting a limit to how much you spend doesn’t mean you’re not willing to pay more, its just a way to keep you organized and narrow down your choices.

Step 2: What’s this gift for?

-> Ask your self this question: What kind of gift is this (a birthday, anniversary, spur of the moment, for a particular occasion like graduation or prom) If its really formal, you can head for simple and sophisticated pendants and studs, with thin silver or gold chains. If its for prom or birthdays or a random occasion, you can go for chunky, abstract, and loud jewelry.

Step 3: Who’s It for?

-> Now don’t think “Duh! Obviously I know who its for” This question is really important because it helps you decide what can go with the person you’re shopping for. Some kinds of jewelry just don’t suit some kinds of people. So you want to pick something that your loved one  or the “giftee” appreciates and can really use. So keep in mind a few of these factors: For earrings, does the style match the person? (Go here for tips on this) For gemstones, think about the giftee’s birthstone (go here for a birthstone guide) Does he/she have this already? (browse the archives for ‘Jewelry Must Haves’)

Step 4: Time (not applicable for random buys)

-> If this gift is for a particular event, try buying it at least two weeks ahead of time. That gives you enough time to change your mind, and the period falls before most “return policy deadlines”.

Step 5: Where do I buy it?

-> Shopping online saves time and browsing is a lot more convenient. Your other option are malls, stores, boutiques, and kiosks. Start with places you’ve been to before. That way you are sure of the quality and its a quick buy.

*Though these tips seem obvious, we tend to forget at times. So I hope the next time you go shopping for jewelry, you don’t panic. This process can be applied to both male and female “giftees” and “gifters” Happy shopping!*

Sterling Silver 1.00 carats Round Shape Checkerboard Cut Amethyst Heart Pendant

Selling at ONLY $29.99

Brides, check out Bridal Sets for Feb.

3.00 cts Marquise Cut Amethyst Pendant Earrings Set @ $35.99

6.50 carat Checkerboard Lily Cut Green Amethyst Pendant Earring Set @ $89.99

Amethyst Must Haves:

Buy your loved one that awesome gift. For guys, and girls…take a look at this year’s Valentino Specials:

A Beautiful Ruby Earring Pendant Set

Stainless Steel Rectangular Geometrical Pattern Cufflinks for Men

Heart Shape Swiss Topaz Diamond Ring 14Kt Yellow Gold

Stainless Steel Two tone Brush finish Money Clip for Men

For more gifts for that special guy in your life go here, and for gifts for that woman you love, go here.